Year 5/6 Term 3 Overview
Year 5/6 Term Three
Welcome back to Term 3! It has been an exciting start to the term with two new teachers joining our team. Tracey Farrar and Allison Bayliss continue in 5/6A and B. We welcome Carmel Barro and Anna Hendy in 5/6C, replacing Esther Wallis. Claire Lambert continues to support in classes 5/6A and B every Wednesday. Our Learning Support Officers are Ruby Schneider, Kristin Sardellis and Lipo Li.
Religious Education
Our focus at the beginning of term is on the Pentecost story which leads us into the sacrament of Confirmation. Students will be looking at the importance of this sacrament in the life of a catholic and reflecting on the gifts of the Holy Spirit Our focus following will be on the symbolism of water in scripture as purification, life and restoration. This links with our Inquiry unit and our overarching concept for year- Gratitude.
Inquiry
Inquiry this term has a geographical basis, with studies of continents, countries and waterways which support major populations. Our overarching questions for this unit are:
- What impact do we have when we respect and embrace our world and our environment?
- Where does water go?
- How does water shape our world and lives?
Students will be undertaking individual research to present at the end of the term.
English
This term, the senior students will continue to develop their reading comprehension, speaking, listening and writing skills.
During our reading time students will participate in Novel Studies, experiencing a variety of narratives, engaging in discussion and related activities to build connections and deepen their understanding. They will have opportunities to listen to podcasts and create both written and verbal responses. They continue to build their vocabulary and understanding of grammar through focused writing lessons. Students are encouraged to participate in the Victorian Reading Challenge which runs for the term. Login details have been provided.
In writing the initial focus is on writing to inform. Explicit teaching will focus on providing factual, clear and relevant information on a specific topic. We will then be looking at the structure and format of various forms of poetry. Time will also be allocated for students to write individual pieces using their "Writer's Notebooks".
Mathematics
In Mathematics this term students will be working through the topics of multiplication and division, fractions, decimals and percentages, trigonometry and 2d shapes and 3d objects. In this they will:
- Identify and describe factors and multiples of whole numbers and use them to solve problems
- Solve problems involving multiplication of large numbers by one- or two-digit numbers
- Solve problems involving division by a one digit number, including those that result in a remainder
- Investigate strategies to solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with the same denominator
- Compare, order and represent decimals
- Connect three-dimensional objects with their nets and other two-dimensional representations
- Estimate, measure and compare angles using degrees. Construct angles using a protractor
Social Emotional Learning
This term in SEL our whole school focus is on Social Capabilities. Students will be exploring how to manage conflict, seeking help and solving problems. We will discuss possible strategies to use in a range of situations where conflict may arise.
STEM
We are focusing on different environments in STEM this term, looking at various environments and their features, including water and plant life. We will use a range of information sources including websites, information texts and online media such as podcasts and video to build our knowledge and understanding. Students will undertake a final project of constructing an environment model. This may be as a terrarium or model construct, which they will present to their class.
We will enjoy an excursion in week 6 to Edendale Farm to learn about water and land management, conservation and testing water quality.
DigiTech
In digital technology this term, the senior students will learn about spreadsheets and how to use them. They will set up a schedule to achieve a goal, using the features of a spreadsheet to help them track their progress. They will also look at inputting data, validation and representing data in a graph.
In addition to this focused instruction, students will continue to engage with digital technology on a daily basis through the use of their learning management system, Google Classroom. They will also use online media tools such as BTN and YouTube. Students will listen to podcasts and record responses using Flipgrid in the preparation of developing the necessary skills to conduct a podcast.
Students will regularly revise information on keeping safe online and the importance of maintaining digital etiquette.
Home Learning
Home learning will once again be given to students now on a weekly basis beginning in week 4. Students should be bringing their diaries daily in order to keep abreast of upcoming events and any changes that may occur. This is an opportunity for students to become independent in managing their responsibilities in the lead up to secondary school. Tasks will be targeted according to assessed needs of students. This learning may support in class activities or may be more focused on developing student skills in a particular area. Students will also need to read their assigned chapters of their novel studies book in order to prepare for their reading groups.
Weekly Timetable
5/6 A
Thursday - P.E and Visual Arts
Friday - Performing Arts and Chinese
We will be rehearsing for our upcoming production during our Sports session on a Wednesday afternoon.
5/6 B
Thursday - P.E and Performing Arts
Friday - Visual Arts and Chinese
We will be rehearsing for our upcoming production during our Sports session on a Wednesday afternoon.
5/6 C
Tuesday - Chinese
Thursday - P.E and Performing Arts
Friday - Visual Arts
We will be rehearsing for our upcoming production during our Sports session on a Wednesday afternoon.
TERM 3
JULY
- 17 Monday - Year 5/6 Hoop Time Basketball - Whole School Assembly, 2.50pm
- 18 Tuesday - SAC Meeting, 7.00pm
- 21 Friday - Year 6 Confirmation Retreat Day
- 26 Wednesday - Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp
- 28 Friday - Year 5 Return from Sovereign Hill
- 29 Saturday - ST JOHN'S TRIVIA NIGHT - Major Fundraising Event
AUGUST
- 7 Monday - Social Justice Conference
- 8 Tuesday - Parent/Teacher/Student Led Conferences
- 9 Wednesday - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- 12 Saturday - St John's Confirmation Day
- 28 Monday - MACSSIS Surveys open
SEPTEMBER
- 6 Wednesday - Whole School Production - Karalyka Theatre Ringwood
- 15 Friday - Last Day of Term - 1.00pm finish
Communication
Effective communication between family and school is an important factor in a student’s learning. Please make contact with us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
We will endeavor to respond to emails within 24 hours, during weekdays.
Tracey Farrar, Carmel Barro, Anna Hendy and Allison Bayliss
tfarrar@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
abayliss@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
cbarro@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
ahendy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au